NMC’s Student Veterans of America (SVA) Chapter and Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL), a non-partisan, non-profit grassroots organization working to pass federal legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is partnering with the International Affairs Forum to present a screening of the documentary, The Age of Consequences, about the national security risks of a changing climate. It has just been confirmed for October 25, 6:30 p.m. at Milliken Auditorium. It will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Major General Michael Stone of the Michigan National Guard and Major General Michael Lehnert USMC (ret.) who is an SVA board member living in our area now.
Many people aren’t aware of the broad consensus among national security experts and our military leaders that climate change is a threat multiplier that will put our armed service members at increasing risk. Secretary of Defense Mattis said “I agree that the effects of a changing climate — such as increased maritime access to the Arctic, rising sea levels, desertification, among others — impact our security situation. I will ensure that the department continues to be prepared to conduct operations today and in the future, and that we are prepared to address the effects of a changing climate on our threat assessments, resources, and readiness.”
Finally, the CCL’s work has had great success building support for climate solutions in Congress because they approach every congressional office from a place of appreciation and respect. In fact, our own Congressman, Lt. Gen. Jack Bergman, just announced that he joined the bipartisan House Climate Solutions Caucus. You can read here about how the local CCL chapter involved Traverse City Central high school students in that effort.